WEXPLORE CHINA 2011 Invitation Letter

Home , Emin Minaret, Great Wall of China

Dear students and teachers,

We would like to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That is what we expect WEXPLORE China to be – an unrivalled learning experience, providing equal proportions of adventure, fun, an insight into international relations, language studies, history and cultural interaction. Not to mention the personal skills that can be gained from working with students from across the world and challenging yourself in a new and unfamiliar country.

‘New and unfamiliar’ definitely describes China. The World’s fastest growing economy is sometimes so new that a 15 years old picture is unrecognisable nowadays and last month’s road map may already be out of date! Contrastingly, another way to describe China would be ‘traditional’. In one of the oldest civilisations you will catch glimpses of the past as well as experienc- ing current practices that can be traced back thousands of years. This huge and diverse country cannot easily be defined, but one word that every visitor would agree on would be ‘fascinating’. We want you to experience as many aspects of fascinating China as possible, and this was our motivation for carefully selecting the programmes in 2011.

• Beijing - 8 days discovering one of the World’s greatest cities • Shanghai and Xi’an - 6 days in the dynamic city of Shanghai, and Xi’an, the ancient capital of China • The Silk Road - a 12 day journey along the legendary trading route • Hainan - 5 days in south China’s tropical island paradise • WEMUNC 2011 - The 4th WE Model United Nations Conference, Beijing

The WEMUNC (WE Model United Nations Conference) has matured over the past 4 years to become a truly international conference. We are honoured to invite you to a Model UN which now brings over 2000 delegates from around the world to participate in 4 days of dynamic cross-cultural exchange, team work, diplomacy and debating. This conference never fails to build strong new friendships between its delegates and helps to nurture the global leaders of tomorrow.

We have designed the WEXPLORE study tours to be unique, providing experiences that you cannot normally get from a visit to China. An example of this is the WEXPLORE Field Research in Beijing where students will discover the city in teams and undertake their own research on a key contemporary topic. There are dozens more exciting and unique features that we have included and we encourage you to read through this brochure to fully understand our excitement about the programmes we are offering in 2011!

Finally, for us the most important thing about our programmes are the people who join, and what we are most excited about is welcoming you to China next year. We hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Board of WE Model United Nations conference & Director of WEXPLORE China

02 Invitation Letter Contents

Why WEXPLORE China? 04 Why WEXPLORE? 04 Why China? 05

The Programmes 06 WEMUNC 06 Beijing 08 Shanghai & Xi’an 09 The Silk Road 10 Hainan 12

Programme Packages and Dates 13 Fees and Deadlines 14 Contact 15

WEXPLORE CHINA

Table of Contents 03 Why WEXPLORE?

Personal Skills and Education company or organisation, and to prove • Learn about China. WEXPLORE aims that we make our prices and costs com- to teach students about the history, WEXPLORE China develops personal pletely transparent. We will be willing to philosophy, culture, politics and skills which are crucial to your future answer any queries that you may have the economy of China and valued by employers. In addition to about the pricing of each programme • Actively learn about the United Na- personal skill development, our pro- tions and international relations at grammes focus on other aspects of edu- WEMUNC cation such as economics, history, art We are Specialists • Gain school credits. Depending on and religion, giving an accurate view of your region and school, the WEX- life in China today. We also believe that We do not offer programmes in any PLORE China programmes may be inter-cultural relations are an extremely other country, we specialise in China! officially accredited and taking part important part of education, and we This results in a unique experience may allow you to gain credits towards design our programmes, particularly where you will feel much closer to the your curriculum. Please contact us if WEMUNC, with this in mind local people and culture than on any you require further details other expedition or tour. You will get the chance to genuinely interact and make Safety First friends with Chinese students, and visit Our Team places that require local knowledge and We take safety seriously. All of our pro- connections. We believe that this results The WEXPLORE China team is made up grammes are tried and tested and we in a more rewarding learning experience of highly qualified, passionate people will not lead students anywhere that has from around the world. We have vast in- not already been checked by our staff. In ternational experience in expeditions, this way we give a sense of adventure, Enrich Your CV/Resume travel as well as working abroad, and with the assurance of safety among the members of our manage- • Gain transferable skills that are vi- ment team we are fluent in around 10 tal for your future career or entrance languages! We have worked extremely Best Value to University. The WEXPLORE China hard to give you the kind of internation- Programme can teach communica- al experience that we have been lucky We have an extensive network and ex- tion, team-work, leadership, man- enough to have pertise within China allowing us to offer agement skills and inter-cultural more for less. We believe that we can understanding not be matched for value by any other • Learn the Chinese Language

04 Why WEXPLORE China? Why China?

Facts and Figures Quoted from McKinsey Global Institute

• Over the next 20 years, Chinese cities will add more than 350 million people ... the population of the entire United States • There will be more than 200 Chinese cities with more than a million inhabitants ... in Europe today there are only 35 cities of that size • There will be up to 50,000 new skyscrapers ... the equivalent of build- ing ten New York cities • There could be up to 170 new mass transit systems ... in Europe today there are about 70 • By 2025, two-thirds of China’s citizens will live in cities ... that’s nearly 1 billion people

A Different World sic, language, food and way of life! urban and rural life and between the up- per and lower classes, the blooming of China will challenge your world view. A entrepreneurship, art, music and leisure civilisation with over 5000 years of re- Economic and Social activities as well as the destruction of corded history, a closed society for many Development tradition to move forward at an astound- years, language and culture barely un- ing pace. Witnessing this change is so derstood by outsiders - learning about Now is the time to visit China. The impressive that in the years to come you China is fascinating and exciting country has brushed off the global re- will be continually telling stories about cession as if it was a small flea, and the “when I was in China…” economy continues to boom. This is The Richness of the Culture a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness China changing right before your China is a nation of 56 ethnic groups, eyes. You will witness dramatic social each of which have their own dress, mu- changes, the huge disparity between

Three weeks may not suffice to get to know the whole country but it’s enough to dive into an incredible culture and breathtaking landscape. WEXPLORE China program gave us the possibility to be immersed in another way of life and I will never forget about the awesome time I had in China. From Michele Dappen, Kantonsschule Zug, Switzerland WEXPLORE CHINA 2010 Participant

Why WEXPLORE China? 05 WEMUN EXPO Conference 2011

The WE Model United Nations Conference (WEMUNC), established in 2007 and taking place in Beijing, was one of the very first Model United Nations Conferences in China. In its third year it already welcomed students from 30 different coun- tries in 35 different committees, and with over 2000 delegates has now grown to become the largest Model UN in Asia.

The WEMUN conference is an academic simulation of the United Nations with the objective of seeking solutions to various problems of the world through discussion, negotiation and debate.

The research and preparation that is required, the opportunity for debating and negotiating and adopting views or at- titudes other than their own and the involvement and interaction with young people from all around the world combine to provide an intensive learning platform for personal development as well as world issues and diplomacy.

Who will attend? What will I be doing? Learning Outcomes

• Over 2000 delegates from all over • You will assume the role of a foreign • Learn invaluable communication the world between the ages of 14 - diplomat, not necessarily from your skills - public speaking, negotia- 25 home country tion, debating • Top MUN conferences in the world • You will be assigned to a committee • Understand the United Nations - will have their satellite conferences which will discuss two or three topics the most important body in interna- on WEMUN EXPO Platform: BosMUN during the conference tional relations by Boston University, BMUN by U.C • Examples of committees could be • Learn research skills while prepar- Berkeley, HMUN hosted by Harvard Human Rights Council, World ing for the sessions University, ILMUNC by University of Bank, UNICEF, Sino-US Think Tank • Understand how to effectively work Pennsylvania, MUNUC by University etc. as a team to complete a project of Chicago, NAIMUN by Georgetown • Learn how to interact with people University etc. THIMUN by THIMUN from all around the world Foundation

06 The Programmes Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon sent the following message to WEMUNC:

“This exercise is no empty role play. Half the world’s population is under 25. You are their representatives. Many of you will move on to positions of real leadership. All of you, by your choices as consumers, by your decisions as voters, will assume real power to shape and change our world. Hopefully your time at this Model United Nations will help you become the models the world needs to fulfill the ideals of this indispensable organization.”

Duration: 4 Days (4th - 7th August )

Price School application fee per delegation (at least 7 students): USD: 200; EUR: 170; GBP: 150 Participation fee* (per person): USD: 450; EUR: 383; GBP: 340 *If participant is an individual, not coming as part of a delegation, the fee is USD 470

The Programmes 07 WEXPLORE Beijing: Where Tradition Meets Modernity China’s capital, and the country’s political, cultural and educational centre is one of the most exciting cities in the world. If China is a country of contrasts, then Beijing is its perfect microcosm. Traditional alleyways called Hutongs lie in stark contrast with sprawling boulevards and highways, while ancient architecture sits next to giant postmodern creations. One thing is certain, Beijing has a buzz - artists, writers, musicians, entrepreneurs and expats increasingly appear to live alongside the traditions of a 2000 year old city. These multiple personalities in addition to stunning historical sites make sure that Beijing’s visitors are intrigued, entertained and constantly in awe.

It was not a regular tour but a tour where we had think, innovate and analyze. From Rohan Shah, The Calorx School, India WEXPLORE China 2010 participant

Highlights Learning Outcomes Example Agenda: • WEXPLORE Field Research - One of • Team-working, leadership and re- Beijing day 4 our most challenging activities – plan search skills during the WEXPLORE 05:30 - Wake up before dawn and your route around Beijing in teams Field Research and the Great Beijing pack up you tent after camping at the to discover the city and Chinese cul- Race foot of the Great Wall ture in-depth. Stretch your leader- • Chinese Language and Calligraphy 06:00 - Climb to the Wall as the sun ship, team-work and planning skills • Cultural awareness - meeting and rises over one of the most memorable to the maximum as your team tries talking with local people and work- views of your life. Hike along the Wall, to undercover the reality behind your ing with international students dur- passing through 12 ancient guard tow- chosen topic (for example: economic ing team activities. ers. development) • Chinese contemporary issues - visit 11:00 - Have a local home-cooked • Great Wall of China - Camp at the village to learn about rural/urban dif- brunch at the nearby farmhouse before foot of the wall and have a campfire ferences and income disparity. Learn taking the bus back to the city. at the nearby village before hiking about topics such as economic de- 14:00 - Visit a tea house to learn along the Wall! velopment, Chinese art, religion about different Chinese teas while tak- • The Great Beijing Race - compete and education during the WEX- ing part in a tea ceremony in teams and use your Chinese lan- PLORE Field Research. guage skills to race around the city, 17:00 - Watch an extraordinary per- formance of Chinese acrobatics completing tasks at different loca- Duration 8 Days

tions Price USD: 1260; EUR: 1071; GBP: 952 19:00 - Dinner: the local delicacy of • Tiananmen Square, Forbidden Dates Round 1: 15th - 22nd Jul. 2011 Peking Duck City, the Olympic Village and the Round 2: 21st - 28th Jul. 2011 20:00 - Chinese Language Class Traditional Hutongs - discover the Round 3: 27th Jul. - 3rd Aug. 2011 extraordinary history of Beijing Round 4: 8th - 15th Aug. 2011

08 The Programmes WEXPLORE Shanghai & Xi’an

Shanghai: The Pulse Quickens out the city, which could be called a “liv- Learning Outcomes ing history book”. It is also the starting Shanghai is not like Beijing, in fact, Chi- point of the silk road, which led to the • Understand the economic develop- na’s largest megalopolis is not like any- inevitable consequence of having a mix- ment of China where. One commonly used adjective ture of different cultures, religions and • Understand the history of trade of the atmosphere in Shanghai is “pul- food. One of the greatest archaeological with China - Shanghai as the colonial sating”. A city that, since the economic finds was also in Xi’an – the incredible trading hub, and Xi’an as the silk road reforms, gathered the collective energy army of Terra-cotta Warriors. starting point of its 20M+ residents to shake off every • Compare modern developments speck of its colonial, imperial and com- in China with the past to understand munist past, Shanghai has never looked Highlights the way China is heading in the future back even for a second – because in this city there isn’t a second to lose. Sur- • Boat Trip Around the Bund - the Duration 6 Days rounded by old canal towns known as most spectacular views in Shanghai Price USD: 1100; EUR: 935; GBP: 830 the “Venice(s)” of China, Shanghai is an • Visit to a Factory - A glimpse into Shanghai or Xi’an only is island of commerce, finance, trade and how a joint venture is run in China USD 720/ Euro 630 /GBP 560 th rd an un-matched energy that gives a con- • Trip to One of the most beautiful Ca- Dates Round 1: 29 Jul- 3 Aug 2011 stant feeling of opportunity to anyone nal Towns Near Shanghai Round 2: Shanghai/Xi’an, 8th - 10th Jul. 2011 who lives there. • Terra-cotta Warriors - One of Chi-

na’s most impressive attractions * Xi’an is also included at the begining/ • Cycling on the Ancient City Wall - end of the Silk Road tour Xi’an*: The Ancient Capital the largest and best preserved city wall in China China’s most historic city, Xi’an, was the • Visit to the Muslim District and the political centre for more than 12 dynas- Mosque in Xi’an ties, and evidence can be found through-

The Programmes 09 WEXPLORE The Silk Road: The Meeting of Civilisations

The very name of the legendary trade route connecting China with the West arouses the senses. It conjures visions of camels winding through arid desert, burdened with the treasures of the Orient mixed with the riches of western civilisation – pearls, gold, musk, jewels, satin and silk. You can almost smell exotic spices, perfumes and hear the bartering at the bustling oasis towns, filled with strange travellers from all over the continent and beyond. The importance of this link between east and west, however, goes far beyond legends, romanticism, and the trade of luxury goods. Over thousands of years many different people, cultures and religions lived in harmony along the silk road, happily sharing their food, art, music and philosophy. The effects of this melting pot of culture and unique chapter in history can still be discovered in China today.

Highlights of the Silk Road

• Visit the crystal clear Tianshan Lake • Visit the ancient Buddhist City of Jiaohe, the elegant Emin Minaret, and witness the crossing of religions at Turpan, an oasis town on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert • Discover the largest repository of ancient Buddhist art at Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. • Ride camels through towering sand dunes and camp in the desert. • Climb the Western end of the Great Wall of China at Jiayuguan. • Witness life in a Tibetan Village and one of the largest Buddhist temples in Xining. • End the journey in Xi’an, visit the Terra-cotta Warriors and cycle around the city walls. (same as Xi’an trip below) • Put together your own video documentary that you have been working on throughout the trip

Make your own Silk Road documentary

We designed the WEXPLORE Silk Road trip to be an exciting and interactive learning experience, and what better way to learn than being the director of your very own documentary movie!

You will be provided with a camera-man during the journey, and you will act as a film crew making a documentary about the Silk Road. You can choose which topics to focus on, such as trade, religion, food, economic development or any other aspect of culture. You will edit the documentary and present it at the end of the trip!

10 The Programmes Learning Outcomes unique Duration 12 Days • Learn Chinese language interactively • Learn team work skills while making a in a challenging environment Price USD: 2300; EUR: 1955; GBP: 1737 documentary video • Understand how different cultures • Understand the history and impor- and religions mixed in the past com- Dates Round 1: 23rd Jul.- 3rd Aug. 2011 tance of the Silk Road, and the effect pared to modern China and discover Round 2: 8th - 19th Aug. 2011 it had on China and the West how people managed to live harmo- • Understand the cultural differenc- niously es between China’s various ethnic • Learn about the major religions and groups, and experience the diver- their followers, historically and today sity which makes western China so

The Programmes 11 WEXPLORE Hainan: Tropical Haven

The Island of Hainan, with its palm-fringed smooth sandy beaches, fresh coconuts and grilled seafood is China’s truly tropical paradise. For years considered a backwater to banish poorly performing government officers, the Island has escaped the rampant development of nearby Guangdong Province, accordingly preserving its traditional ways of life and the cleanliness of its waters. Although still predominantly an Island of farmers and rural villages, there have been many recent developments in the tourism industry, with luxury hotel complexes sprouting up along the beautiful coastline in Sanya.

Highlights Duration 5 Days Example Agenda: Hainan days 3 and 4 • Experience rural China - Help with Price USD: 850; EUR: 722; GBP: 642 farm work and home-stay with locals 07:00 - Get up early for a breakfast before helping the farmer pick rice from • Volunteer in a rural school - Teach a th rd Dates Round 1: 30 Jul.- 3 Aug. 2011 his fields. class to the local children Round 2: 8th - 12th Aug. 2011 12:00 - grab some lunch, before • Beach - Sip a coconut, relax in the th th Round 3: 11 - 15 Aug. 2011 heading to the school in the afternoon sun, or try water sports at China’s to be a volunteer teacher. best beaches 14.:00 - Run an English class at the school.

18:00 - Relax in the evening, and Learning Outcomes say goodbye to the children at the village as it is your last night.

• Understand rural Life in China – Al- 07:00 - Get up early again the next morning to head to the tropical para- most 60% of the population live in ru- dise of Sanya. ral areas, this is crucial to understand- 12:00 - You spend the day lounging ing the economic and social issues on the beach or swimming, taking a well in China today deserved rest. • Learn how to farm in tropical cli- 18:00 - In the evening you go for a mates, with crops like pepper, coco- luxurious seafood dinner at the unique seafood market nuts, bananas and rubber trees • Learn how to teach in a local school 19:00 - As the sun sets on Sanya you reflect on all the amazing people you have met and remarkable things you have done on your trip to China.

12 The Programmes Programme Packages and Dates

Month Day Beijing Shanghai Xi’an Silk Road Hainan Day Month

Jul 15 15 Jul 16 16 July & August 17 17 Packages 18 Jul 15 18 - 19 19 As displayed on Jul 22 the diagram, most 20 20 combinations of pro- 21 21 grammes are avail- 22 22 able, and the same programme may 23 23 have different dates 24 Jul 21 24 - to choose from. 25 Jul 28 25 26 26 All programmes take place between 15th 27 Jul 23 27 July and 19th August 28 - 28 2011. Aug 03 29 Jul 29 29 Jul 27 30 - 30 October (Mid- - Jul 31 Jul 31 Aug 03 Jul 30 31 Jul autumn Break) Packages Aug 01 Aug 01 - 01 Aug 02 - Aug 03 02 1 week package: 03 Aug 03 03 Beijing or Shanghai + Xi’an. 2 weeks 04 04 package: Silk Route, 05 05 WEMUN Conference 2011 or Beijing + Shanghai 06 06 + Xi’an. 07 07 Programmes can start 08 08 Aug 08 Aug 08 between 10th and 22nd Aug 08 09 - - 09 October 2011. Aug 10 Aug 10 - 10 Aug 12 10 11 Aug 08 11 - Easter/Spring 12 12 Aug 15 Break Packages 13 Aug 08 Aug 11 13 - - We can create custom 14 14 Aug 19 Aug 15 packages depend- 15 15 ing on your holiday 16 16 dates. Contact us for 17 17 more details. 18 18 Aug 19 19 Aug

Month Day Beijing Shanghai Xi’an Silk Road Hainan Day Month

Programme Packages and Dates 13 Programme Fees Included in Price: • All travel within China (flights, RMB USD EURO GPB trains, buses etc) Conference 3,060 450 383 340 • Accommodation (3/4 Star hotels, camping, etc.) Beijing+Conference 11,628 1,710 1,454 1,292 • Breakfast, lunch and dinner + Beijing, Shanghai+Conference 16,524 2,430 2,066 1,836 bottled water • All activities (inc. Chinese class- Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an+ Conference 19,108 2,810 2,389 2,123 es, entry fees etc) Beijing+Hainan+Conference 17,408 2,560 2,176 1,934 • Basic healthcare insurance • Advice and support before the Beijing, Xi'an+Conference 16,524 2,430 2,066 1,836 trip Silk Road+Conference 18,700 2,750 2,338 2,078 Not Included in Price: Beijing+Silk Road+Conference 27,268 4,010 3,409 3,030 • International flights from your Silk Road+Conference+Hainan 23,800 3,500 2,975 2,644 home country Conference+Hainan 8,840 1,300 1,105 982 • China Visa application fees • Travel Insurance (for property, Airport pick up & send off 270 40 34 30 cancellations and serious acci- * Conference fees are USD 20 more for individuals not coming with a delegation/school dents) ^ A one-off fee of USD 200 should be paid by schools who wish to register for the conference • Inoculations (we suggest you consult your local doctor for de- Above are the suggested packages, but customized service can be tails) provided, contact us for further information • Bank transfer fee for payments

Registration and Payment Deadlines

Registration

• REGISTER AT http://www.wemunc.org/wexplorechina • REGISTRATION FEE: $200* per person

*Registration fee to be paid in advance by each person attending the programme, it is non-refundable but will be deducted from the overall cost.

Payment Deadlines For 2011

• DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION FEE: 30th March 2011* • DEADLINE FOR REMAINING PAYMENT: 30th May 2011 • REFUND DEADLINE: July 1st 2011 (no refund will be given to any group or participant if they do not inform WEXPLORE before this date of their intention to withdraw from the programme)

*Places on WEXPLORE China 2011 are limited, we recommend participants to pay the registration fee early to secure their places. If you pay the registration fee before 31st, Dec 2010, we will offer you free airport pickup/drop-off, guarantee a place on the program and a good country assign- ment for the WEMUN EXPO Conference

14 Fees and Deadlines Contact Us

Weland International

Room 2802, Shangdu International, No.8 Dongdaqiao Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing, China

Tel: +86 1058701599 Fax: +86 1058701560 www.wemunc.org/wexplorechina

Yichan Yuan Sara Enstedt Board of WEMUN Conference Vice Director of WEXPLORE China & Eu- & Director of WEXPLORE China ropean/Middle East Regional Manager

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +86 10 5870 1599 Tel: +86 10 5870 1599 Mobile: +86 1348 869 6159 Mobile: +41 764 887 273 (Swiss) Fax: +86 10 5870 1560 Mobile: +86 1369 118 1492 (China)

Josh Rennie Jose Feliciano Stepan Plokhotnov UK & Ireland Regional Manager Latin America Regional Manager Russian Regional Manager

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +86 10 5870 1599 Tel: +86 10 5870 1599 Tel: +86 10 5870 1599 Mobile: +44 776 1301 754 (UK) Mobile: +511 991 271 221 (Peru) Mobile: +7 913 969 3838 (Russia) Mobile: +86 1343 635 9374 (China) Mobile: +86 1531 173 3905 (China)

Contact 15 All original materials in this document © 2010 by the Beijing WELAND International Ltd., except as noted. Any reproduction of original material, by any mechanical or electronic means, is prohibited without the express written by the Beijing WELAND International Ltd.

All original materials in this document © 2010 by the Beijing WELAND International Ltd., except as noted. Any reproduction of original material, by any mechanical or electronic means, is prohibited without the express written by the Beijing WELAND International Ltd.